Stroller with Removable Storage

ABSTRACT

A stroller includes a frame assembly, an occupant seat supported by the frame assembly, and a storage container removably suspended from the frame assembly under the occupant seat. In some cases, the frame assembly includes a spine. The spine has an underside surface with a one or more brackets or hooks. The brackets are arranged along a main axis of the spine. As a result, each bracket is equidistant from each of a pair of wheels to center the suspended item between the pair of wheels.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/789,240, which was filed on Apr.3, 2006 and entitled “Stroller,” and which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is generally directed to strollers, and moreparticularly to strollers having storage containers.

2. Description of Related Art

Strollers have conventionally been equipped with a basket for storage ofaccessories and personal items. Typically, the storage basket isattached to, or includes, a frame located beneath or behind an occupantseat, where the storage basket hangs. To secure the storage basket, tothe frame, soft goods of the storage basket are often sewn into positionaround sections of the frame. The frame of the storage basket of somestrollers is then connected to a main, structural frame of the stroller.With these connections, storage baskets are typically fixed in place orare not removable without dissembling the stroller. Accessing thecontents of the basket can accordingly be inconvenient.

Burdened by the foregoing limitations, storage baskets are oftensupplanted by handbags and other bags, especially in connection with thestorage of personal and other items that are frequently required. Suchbags are then casually hung from portions of the stroller not designedto carry or support a bag or other item. For example, bags are oftendraped over a handle or other laterally extending component.Unfortunately, hanging a container and its contents on one handle (orone side of a handlebar) can result in an unbalanced stroller, which canbe a source of inconvenience or, in some cases, instability.

Some strollers are equipped with components directed to carryingindividual accessories or personal items. For example, trays, cupholdersand pouches have also been clipped onto or attached to strollers for theconvenience of the seat occupant and the caregiver. These components cantypically only accommodate smaller sized items. Thus, such componentscan be unsuitable for carrying larger items or large numbers of items,much less bags and other containers in which such items are stored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a stroller assemblyhaving a removable storage container attached in accordance with oneaspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows an elevational, side view of the exemplary stroller of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 shows an elevational, rear view of the exemplary stroller of FIG.1 with soft goods removed for ease in illustration;

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the exemplary stroller of FIG. 1 with softgoods removed for ease in illustration;

FIG. 5 is a perspective, partial view of the exemplary stroller of FIG.1 showing the attachment of a storage container via a pair of attachmenthooks in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a partial view of the attachment of the storage containertaken along the lines 6-6 of FIG. 2, showing a lower attachment hook ofthe pair of attachment hooks in greater detail;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the attachment of the storage containertaken along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 2, showing an upper attachment hook ofthe pair of attachment hooks in greater detail;

FIGS. 8A-8C show front side and rear elevational views of an exemplarystorage container suitable for attachment to the exemplary stroller ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a representation of the exemplary storage container of FIGS.8A-8C in use as a shoulder bag;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the exemplary stroller of FIG. 1with an optional storage container attached at one of the pair ofattachment hooks shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is an elevational, side view of an exemplary stroller with astorage container attached via a pair of attachment hooks in accordancewith an alternative embodiment; and,

FIG. 12 is a partial view of the attachment of the storage containertaken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 1 1, showing a lower attachment hook ingreater detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure is generally related to strollers having a removablestorage container. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, thestorage container is conveniently removable despite being locatedbeneath an occupant seat and stroller frame sections supporting theseat. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the storagecontainer is suspended from a spine of the stroller frame at a number ofattachment, or connection, points located along, or aligned with, alongitudinal or main axis of the spine. As a result, the storagecontainer may be suspended from one or more of the attachment pointswithout unbalancing the stroller. In some cases, one of the attachmentpoints includes a hook or bracket suitable for attaching a variety ofbags or containers. The hook or bracket is placed along the main axis ofthe spine such that the center of gravity of the bag does not extendbeyond the wheelbase of the stroller. In some cases, the storagecontainer engages upper and lower hooks so that lifting the storagecontainer along the main axis of the spine disengages the storagecontainer from the stroller.

Although certain aspects of the disclosure relate to details regardingthe storage container and the removable nature of its connection to thestroller, the disclosed stroller is well suited for use with a number ofdifferent types of containers. Indeed, some aspects of the disclosuremay be practiced with a storage container that is not configured forconvenient removal. Moreover, other aspects of the disclosure aredirected to the stroller itself, even though the aspects may involvecomponents that provide potential storage options. Such aspects of thedisclosure are provided without limitation to a particular type of bag,container or other item that may, but need not, eventually be attachedto the stroller as described below.

Turning now to the drawings, a stroller is generally indicated at 100 inFIGS. 1-4 and is constructed in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention. In the disclosed example, the stroller 100 generallyhas a frame assembly 102, a seat assembly 104 (FIGS. 1-2) supported bythe frame assembly 102, and a plurality of wheels supporting the frameassembly 102 on a ground surface. In general, the frame assembly 102 inthe disclosed example includes a pair of rear wheels 106 and a singlefront wheel assembly 108 positioned forward of and at a midpoint betweenthe rear wheels 106. In this example, the front wheel assembly 108 hastwo wheels 109 spaced apart side by side.

The frame assembly 102 in this example generally has a seat mountingframe 110 that is a U-shaped component. In the disclosed example, theseat assembly 104 can be removed from the seat frame 110 and thestroller 100. In general, the removable seat assembly 104 includes apair of seat attachment tubes 112 positioned on opposite sides of anoccupant seat 114 (FIGS. 1-2). The seat tubes 112 are connected to andcan be removed from upper ends 116 of the seat frame 110. The seat 114of the seat assembly 104 is supported on the stroller 100 at least inpart by the seat tubes 112 and has a canopy 118 (FIGS. 1-2) connected toan upper part of the seat 114. The seat 114 also has a seat back 120(FIGS. 1-2), a seat bottom 122 (FIGS. 1-2), and seat side wings 124(FIGS. 1-2) positioned on opposite sides of the seat back 120 and theseat bottom 122.

A footrest 126 (FIGS. 1-2) is positioned at the bottom of the seatassembly 104 and is suspended from the front edge of the seat bottom 122by a mesh fabric panel 128 (FIGS. 1-2) in this example. The footrest 126is also connected to the lower part of the seat frame 1 10. In thedisclosed example, the-seat 104 can be made entirely of fabric or likematerials and be suspended from the seat tubes 112 and the seat frame110, when attached. Alternatively, portions of the seat assembly 104 canhave a removable cover placed over a generally rigid supportingstructure that defines and shapes at least part of the seat 114, such asthe seat bottom 122 and parts of the seat side wings 124. Thus, onceattached to the seat frame 110, the seat assembly 104 can besufficiently supported on the stroller 100 and substantial enough tosupport the weight of a child occupant. As will be evident to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art, the configuration and construction ofthe seat assembly 104 and the seat 114 can vary considerably and yetfall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The stroller frame assembly 102 in the disclosed example generally has acentral spine 140 with a lower end 142 positioned near the front wheelassembly 108. The spine 140 also has an upper end 144 positioned behindthe seat back 120 of the seat assembly 114 and between the rear wheels106. A pair of curved rear legs 146 extend downwardly in oppositedirections from an underside of the spine 140. Each leg 146 is bowedoutwardly and extends in a rearward and downward direction. A proximalor top end 148 of each leg is coupled to a rear leg connector 150 (FIGS.2-4) positioned on the underside of the spine 140. The connector 150 ispositioned in this example about mid-point between the upper end 144 andthe lower end 142 of the spine 140. A distal or lower end 152 of eachrear leg 146 in this example carries one of the rear wheels 106.

A rear leg link 154 is positioned on each side of the frame assembly 102and links each rear leg 146 to the spine 40. Each link 154 has one end156 (FIGS. 2-4) coupled to a connector 158 (FIGS. 2-4) on the undersideof the spine 140 positioned below the rear leg connector 150 along thespine. Each link 154 also has another end 160 coupled to a correspondingone of the rear legs 146. The links 154 provide stability for thestroller frame assembly 102, and particularly for the rear legs 146,during use.

The frame assembly 102 in the disclosed example also has a strollerhandle 170 for pushing and maneuvering the stroller 100. The disclosedhandle 170 generally has an upward facing, open C-shape that forms twohandle sections 172. The two sections 172 extend in opposite directionsfrom a handle bracket 174. The handle bracket 174-is coupled to astanchion 176 that extends from the upper end 144 of the frame spine140. In the disclosed example, the stanchion 176 is essentially a linearstructure and extends parallel to and is aligned with the spine 140,which is also a generally linear structure.

The stroller 100 disclosed herein also has a pair of curved seat framesupport arms 180. The support arms ₁ g₀ extend upward in oppositedirections from the top side of the spine 140. Each support arm 180 isbowed outwardly and extends in a forward and upward direction relativeto the spine 140. A proximal or bottom end 182 (FIGS. 2-4) of eachsupport arm 180 is coupled to a support arm connector 184 (FIGS. 2-4)positioned on the top side of the spine 140. The support arm connector184 in this example is positioned at the same location along the spineas the rear leg connector 150, which is on the underside of the spine. Adistal end portion 186 of each support arm 180 is bent downwardly,extends generally horizontally forward, and terminates at an exposed endor face 188 (FIGS. 2 and 4).

In this example, a seat frame link 190 is positioned on each side of theseat frame 110 and extends in a rearward direction. Each seat link 190has a free end 192 that is coupled to one of the support arms 180. Theconnection point between each seat link 190 and the respective supportarm 180 in this example is spaced rearward from the exposed end 188along the distal end portion 186.

Also in the disclosed example, a frame bracket 194 (FIGS. 1-2) islocated at the lower front portion of the frame assembly 102. The framebracket 194 is connected to the lower most portion 196 of the seat frame1 10 and to the lower end 142 of the spine 140. The front wheel assembly108 is mounted to and extends downward from the frame bracket 194. Theframe bracket 1 94 links the spine 140 to the seat frame 110 andprovides the front wheel mounting location in the disclosed example.

The spine 140 is oriented centrally between the rear wheels 106 and hasa main or longitudinal axis running between the lower end 142 of thespine 140 and the upper end 144 of the spine 140. The main axis of thespine 140, in turn, defines a central or longitudinal axis of thestroller 100. In the disclosed example as shown in FIG. 2, the spine 140is oriented at an angle with a low point at its lower end 142 and a highpoint at its upper end 144. The spine 140 is oriented to position thehandle 170 so that a caregiver can stand behind the stroller and pushthe stroller in a conventional manner by the handle 170. The seatassembly 104 is positioned above and forward of the spine 140 and facesforward relative to the stroller 100 away from the handle 170. However,the arrangement of the seat and frame components disclosed herein canvary and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.Additionally, the shape, size, configuration, orientation, and locationof the various frame assembly and seat assembly components can also varyfrom the example shown without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 and in greater detail in FIGS. 5-8, a lowerbracket 200 and an upper bracket 202 extend from an underside surface204 of the central spine 140. Generally speaking, the lower and upperbrackets 200 and 202 are provided for the removable attachment of astorage container 206 (or other item) suspended beneath and behind theframe assembly 102 and the seat 114. As described in connection with oneaspect of the disclosure below, the placement of the brackets 200 and202 on the spine 140 centers the suspended item between the rear wheels106 so that the stroller 100 remains in balance during use.

As best shown in FIGS. 5-7, the lower and upper brackets 200 and 202 maybe connected to the central spine 140 in a variety of ways. Generallyspeaking, any type of connection mechanism may be utilized to mount orotherwise dispose the brackets 200 and 202 on the spine 140. Forexample, the connections may include or involve the use of fasteners,adhesives, etc. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawingfigures, and as best shown in FIG. 7, the lower bracket 200 includes aring 208 that encircles the spine 140. The ring 208 may be fixed inplace along the spine 140 in a variety of ways, including for instance apressure or compression fit engagement. The upper bracket 202 includes aclip 210, which may be a C-shaped component shaped to engage the spine140, and may also be configured for a pressure or compression fit tofixedly secure the bracket 202 in position along the spine 140. In eachcase, the spine 140 may include any number of projections or detents(not shown) toward securing the engagement of the brackets 200 and 202.

Each bracket 200 and 202 generally includes a hook or other projectionfor engagement by connectors of (or disposed on) the storage container206 at a pair of attachment points along the spine 140. In the exemplaryembodiment shown, a hook 212 extends from the ring 208 to define a lowerattachment point, while a hook 214 extends from the clip 210 to definean upper attachment point. The projection of the hook 212 is orientedsuch that the hook 212 extends upwardly along the main axis of the spine140. In contrast, the projection of the hook 214 is oriented such thatthe hook 212 extends laterally across the spine 140, or transverse tothe main axis of the spine 140. Other orientations for the upper andlower attachments may also be utilized. Moreover, the length of theprojections of the hooks 212 and 214 may vary in alternativeembodiments, as desired, and particularly in connection withlongitudinally extending hooks, such as the hook 212. In these cases,the hook may have an elongated projection, which be useful in storagesituations in which the hook is primarily, if not entirely, responsiblefor supporting the suspended item.

In some cases, the suspended item includes one or more strap-basedconnectors. For example, one or both of the brackets 200 and 202 may beengaged by a strap 216 of the storage container 206. In the examplesshown in the drawing figures, the strap 216 has a loop 218 near an end220, where the strap 216 engages the bracket 202 at the upper attachmentpoint. The loop 218 may be sewn onto a length-adjustable main section220 of the strap 216 running the length of the storage container 206.The loop 218 allows the storage container 206 to be suspended from thespine 140 at a predetermined position, regardless of whether the lengthof the main section 220 of the strap 206 has been adjusted. Inalternative embodiments, the strap 216 does not include the loop 218,and instead the main section 220 engages the bracket 202. To this end,the main section 220 of the strap 216 may be doubled over on itself orotherwise configured to engage the bracket 202 at the upper attachmentpoint.

The exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing figures also includes anotch- or slot-based connector at the lower attachment point. Withinitial reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the storage container 206 may engagethe bracket 200 at the lower attachment point via an insertion of thehook 212 through an opening or slot on the exterior of the storagecontainer 206. The opening need not reach the interior of the storagecontainer 206 (such that the hook 212 enters the interior of the storagecontainer 206), as shown in phantom in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIG.8A, the hook 212 may instead engage a notch or void 222 formed below aflap 223 on the exterior of the storage container 206. In this exemplarycase, the flap 223 extends laterally across a front face 224 of thestorage container 224 where the strap 216 is attached, as shown in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 8A. More specifically, an end 226 of thestrap 216 may slidably pass through the front face 224 at, for instance,a seam 228 leading to the void 222, and an indent 230 in the front face224. The end 226 of the strap 216 may also pass through a buckle 231disposed in the indent 230 and provided to adjust the length of the mainsection 220 of the strap 216, as desired.

The storage container 206 may be made from a semi-rigid or othermaterial to retain the shape of the indent 230, the flap 223, and othercomponents thereof that form the connector at the lower attachmentpoint. Such materials may be utilized in alternative embodiments to formdifferently shaped notches, slots, or voids. For example, onealternative embodiment includes a notch that does not provide space forthe buckle 231 and attachment of the end 226 of the strap 216. In thatcase, the end 226 of the strap 216 may be located elsewhere, such as ona top surface of the storage container 206.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 8B, the storage container 206 may be shapedto fit under the frame assembly 102 and the seat assembly 104. To thatend, the exemplary embodiment of the storage container 206 is shaped toaccommodate the inclined or ascending axis of the central spine 140. Thestorage container accordingly has an angled profile with one end shorterthan the other end. More specifically, the front face 224 is lower inheight than a rear face 232 (FIGS. 8B and 8C). Consequently, the storagecontainer 206 may remain generally upright while hooked to the spine 140at the upper and lower attachment points.

Turning to FIG. 9, the main section 220 of the strap 216 can be used asa shoulder strap 234 for carrying the storage container 206 upon removalfrom the stroller 100. The length of the main section 220 of the strap216 may be adjusted via the buckle 231 (FIG. 8A), as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C as well as FIG. 9, the storage container 206has a tall, narrow shape. The narrow shape of the storage container 206generally allows it to be suspended from the attachment points in aposition beneath the seat assembly 104, as well as between the rear legs146 of the frame assembly 102 and, thus, between the rear wheels 106.Generally speaking, the storage container 206 may include a variety ofmaterials and material types. To maintain the narrow (or other) shape,portions(s) of the material(s) of the storage container 206 may have anydesired degree of rigidity (or flexibility), and include localized areashaving one or more materials of decreased flexibility for shapemaintenance. However, the storage container 206 need not include asupportive frame of rigid material, as the container 206 may, forinstance, be suspended via the soft goods connectors described above.Notwithstanding the foregoing, alternative embodiments may utilize arigid frame to maintain shape or for other purposes, as desired. Forexample, one or more of the connectors may include a rigid, orsemi-rigid, material to define the shape of the notch (or the definingflap) engaged by a hook.

FIG. 9 depicts one of several suitable connection points for the loop218 of the strap 216. In that exemplary case, the loop 218 is connectedto the strap 216 near an end 234 thereof. The strap 216, in turn, issewn to the rear face 234 of the storage container 206 at a point 236.Alternatively, the loop 218 may be connected to a surface of the storagecontainer 206 (as opposed to the strap 216). For example, the loop 218may also be connected to the storage container 206 at the point 236. Instill other embodiments, the loop 218 may be connected at any otherdesired position along the main section 220 of the strap 216.

While the removable storage aspect of the present disclosure is notlimited to any one particular context or purpose, or any type of bag,one type of bag that may be advantageously stored as described herein isa diaper bag. Diaper bags and other storage containers are designed tocarry a number of personal items for the child occupant or caregiver,the volume of which is not easily handled by pouches and other smallstroller accessories. Moreover, diaper bags and the like are oftenfrequently accessed and used away from the stroller. To these ends, astorage container 206 removably suspended as described herein may beconveniently pulled off the brackets 200 and 202, and then re-suspended,by generally moving the storage container 206 along the main axis of thecentral spine 140. A lateral movement of the storage container 206 mayalso be involved to disengage (or hang) the loop 218 from the upperbracket 202, as described in the exemplary case shown in the drawingfigures. With that slight lateral movement, the storage container 206may be easily lifted off the bracket 200, for complete removal anddisengagement from the stroller 100, with a generally upward pull nearthe end 220 of the strap 216.

With reference now to FIG. 10, another aspect of the disclosure isdirected to supporting the storage of different types of items at one orboth of the attachment points. Generally speaking, the arrangement ofbrackets described above is compatible with a variety of bags,containers and other items to be suspended in place of the storagecontainer 206. For instance, an alternative storage container 250 may besuspended from the upper bracket 202 as shown. The container 250 shownis another bag, such as a shopping bag, having a strap 252, as shown,that engages the hook 214 in a manner similar to that described above inconnection with the storage container 206. Other suitable containers mayhave alternative connectors, such as notch-based connectors or otherloop-based to engage the hook 214.

In some cases, a container or other item may alternatively oradditionally be suspended from the lower attachment point, i.e., thebracket 200.

The positioning of the lower and upper brackets 200 and 202 flexiblyaccommodates this wide variety of containers and items due to thepositioning of the hooks 212 and 214 on the central spine 140. Forinstance, the alignment of the hooks 212 and 214 along the main axis ofthe spine 140 centers the suspended item between the rear wheels 106. Asa result, suspending the container or item on one of the hooks does notunbalance the stroller. Moreover, both of the attachment points arewithin the wheelbase of the stroller (i.e., within the front wheelassembly and the rear wheels). As a result, the center of gravity of thesuspended item is also positioned within the wheelbase. As a result,suspending an item at either the upper or lower connection point willnot cause the stroller to tip forward or lean backward.

Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, a stroller indicated generally at 260 has analternative bracket 262 at the lower connection point. A correspondingconnector 264 of a storage container 266 is shown in greater detail inFIG. 12. In this case, the bracket 262 may be secured to the spine 140via, for instance, an adhesive layer or other fastener 268, including,for instance, a hook-and-loop layer. Alternatively or additionally, thebracket 262 may be secured in the manner described above in connectionwith the foregoing exemplary embodiment.

The connector 264 includes a rod or other frame section 270 disposedwithin the storage container 266. When the storage container 266 islowered onto the bracket 262, the rod 270 eventually comes to rest on ahook 272 of the bracket 262 as shown in FIG. 12. To this end, the hook272 may be inserted through a slot or other opening in a surface 274 ofthe storage container 266.

The rod 270 may be made of a rigid, or semi-rigid, material, and may besewn-in or otherwise secured in position near the surface 274 within thestorage container 266.

The frame section 270 need not be shaped as a rod. Indeed, the framesection 270 and, more generally, any of the connectors of the storagecontainers may be shaped to engage the frame assembly or any component(e.g., bracket) thereof. For instance, the frame section 270 may beshaped as a hook or a loop having a portion that rests on the bracket262 as shown in FIG. 12. Another exemplary shape may involve a framesection 270 that is generally straight, but with an indent to be engagedby the hook 272 of the bracket 262. In this way, the frame section 270may assist in minimizing lateral movement of the storage container 266.

Although certain stroller assemblies have been described herein inaccordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope ofcoverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, thispatent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure thatfairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

1. A stroller, comprising: a frame assembly; an occupant seat supportedby the frame assembly; and, a storage container removably suspended fromthe frame assembly under the occupant seat.
 2. The stroller of claim 1,further comprising a bracket secured to the frame assembly and engagedby the storage container.
 3. The stroller of claim 2, wherein thestorage container comprises a strap, and wherein the bracket comprises ahook engaged by the strap.
 4. The stroller of claim 2, wherein the frameassembly comprises a central spine to which the bracket is secured. 5.The stroller of claim 4, further comprising a further bracket secured tothe central spine, such that the first-named bracket and the furtherbracket are aligned along a main axis of the central spine.
 6. Thestroller of claim 5, wherein the main axis of the central spine isinclined.
 7. The stroller of claim 2, wherein the storage containercomprises a surface having a notch, and wherein the bracket comprises ahook disposed in the notch.
 8. The stroller of-claim 1, furthercomprising a pair of wheels coupled to the frame assembly, wherein thestorage container is attached to the frame at an attachment positionequidistant from each of the pair of wheels.
 9. A stroller, comprising:a frame assembly comprising a spine; a pair of wheels coupled to theframe assembly, each wheel extending in a respective outward directionfrom the spine; and, a bracket disposed on an underside of the spine tosuspend an item under the frame assembly; wherein the bracket isequidistant from each of the pair of wheels to center the suspended itembetween the pair of wheels.
 10. The stroller of claim 9, wherein thebracket comprises a hook from which the item is suspended.
 11. Thestroller of claim 10, wherein the hook comprises a projection orientedin a direction transverse to a main axis of the spine.
 12. The strollerof claim 10, wherein the hook comprises a projection oriented along amain axis of the spine.
 13. A stroller, comprising: a frame assemblycomprising a spine, the spine having an underside surface with a firsthook and a second hook, the hooks being arranged along a main axis ofthe spine; an occupant seat supported by the frame assembly; and, astorage container having first and second connectors to engage the firstand second hooks, respectively, such that the storage item is suspendedfrom the underside surface of the spine beneath the occupant seat. 14.The stroller of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first and secondhooks comprises a projection oriented in a direction such that upwardmovement of the storage container along the main axis of the spinedisengages the storage container from the frame assembly.